Crocodile Clips
Simple Simulation Software
Features of Crocodile ICT
Crocodile ICT includes two 3D human characters, a boy and a girl. Each has 48 different actions - dance steps, movements and interactions - which can be programmed using flowcharts.
They engage all students - whether or not they're already interested in programming and control. Dance routines introduce the idea of a sequence of commands; you can then progress to more complex concepts.
Start your flowchart
Everything in Crocodile ICT - including the humans and other animations - is controlled with simple flowcharts. To start, open the 'Start and Stop' folder, and drag on a Start element.
Drag any flowchart commands you wish onto the screen, and link them by drawing with the mouse.
You can also include images to give a context for your program. We've provided a range of images, such as a dance stage, a studio, a road junction and a house.
Set up your sequence
To make a character move, add an 'Action' part to your flowchart. Tell it which character to control by dragging its target symbol onto that character.
Next, click the flowchart and choose the action you want from a list. Some actions have simple parameters that you can set: for example, the number of times a dance is repeated, or the direction to walk in.
You can link as many instructions as you wish, and in any order - so each student can create their own individual program.
Run your program
Once you've linked your flowchart parts together, click the button on the Start command to run it. The character will perform the actions you've specified.
To make it easy to see what's happening, Crocodile ICT can highlight each flowchart element as its action is performed. Alternatively, you can use a button to step through at your own pace.
Try something new
Use variables and decision parts to set up a loop, counting the number of times a set of steps is repeated.
Choreographing the steps for a chorus is an ideal opportunity to introduce functions - which can be called repeatedly during the routine.
Event handlers can set two characters dancing simultaneously: start on the press of a button, or by broadcasting an instruction. And a map variable is exactly what's required to store the words of the song.
Test and refine
Crocodile ICT makes testing and refining your programs easy.
If there are construction errors - such as unfinished flowcharts, or undefined variables - these are highlighted and explained as your program runs. You can correct them in real time.
For more complex routines, the 'monitor' part shows variable values changing. You can also speed up or slow down the rate at which your program runs.
A dance routine like this offers an engaging way to teach abstract control concepts.